The goby subfamily Sicydiinae currently comprises nine genera with 121 species. They are all current-loving animals that occur in nature mainly in clear streams and feed on growth and small animals. Larval development takes place in the sea. Some neon gobies of the genus Stiphodon are particularly popular, representatives of other genera are rarely found in the trade.
We have now received the species Lentipes ikeae from Indonesia. The species is known from Java and Bali and was scientifically described in 2014. The maximum size of L. ikeae is 4-5 cm. They are peaceful and sociable animals that like to climb out of the water with their well-developed sucking apparatus formed from the ventral fins – just like in nature. In nature, this is how they overcome waterfalls. In the aquarium, you should therefore ensure good coverage, otherwise the migratory instinct could have fatal consequences.
Incidentally, the species name does not refer to the Swedish furniture store, but honors the employee of the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, Bogor, Java, Indonesia, Mrs. Ike Rachmatika.
For our customers: the animals have code 423632 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
